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What are Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease (DJD) or degenerative arthritis. OA is the most common type of canine arthritis, affecting 1 in 5 dogs in the United States. Approximately 20% of dogs over one year of age have OA. It is also the number one cause of lameness in canines.

Osteoarthritis is more prevalent in seniors, large breeds, athletic and in working dogs. However, puppies that have suffered from elbow or hip dysplasia will develop OA at a young age. As the disease progresses bone spurs and thickening of the tissue around the joint can occur, causing more pain and stiffness. Since cartilage has no nerve supply the disease is able to advance for some time without outward indications. So even the most observant owner may miss the first signs of OA. If your pet does show visible symptoms, it is imperative to take him to the veterinarian to be diagnosed and treated.

Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the articular cartilage protecting the bones gradually deteriorates. As the cartilage wears down, it causes joint inflammation, pain and eventually the loss of motion.

Obesity can put excess stress on joints, possibly causing an early onset

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Your veterinarian will take a thorough history of your pet. You will be asked questions regarding your dog’s condition. The veterinarian will then perform a complete physical exam. He will see if your dog shows discomfort when the affected joints are manipulated. He will check to see if there is an accumulation of joint fluid (effusion). If the veterinarian feels that there is fluid in the joint, a sample of the fluid will be abstracted. Your veterinary caregiver will also check for muscle atrophy. In older canines, bloodwork and a urine sample will help provide valuable information on the dog’s geriatric baseline health.

X-rays are an effective tool for identifying OA. They can show bone changes, narrowing of joint spaces, and other physical changes that are known to be associated with arthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) can help visualize joint incongruity and physical cartilage changes.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that cannot be cured. However, there is much that can be done to slow the progression of the disease, ease the pain, and improve your pet’s quality of life. Treatment for OA usually involves a combination of different approaches and are based on the individual patient.

Non-medical and Alternative Treatments

Weight Control - Weight loss in obese dogs can improve his mobility and help minimize further joint damage

Diet – Research has shown that foods that provide high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, can help decrease inflammation

Natural Supplements - Pills and foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, have shown to ease arthritis symptoms in dogs

Medical Treatments

Surgery - Depending on the stage of OA, severity of the condition, pet’s weight and the age of the canine’ your vet may recommend surgery (Arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement are two of the options)

Glucocorticoids - Given by tablets or injections, these drugs have higher anti-inflammatory effect than non-steroidal, but the long-term use can cause serious side effects to your pet such as kidney issues

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Can reduce pain and inflammation but have serious long-term effects, especially in geriatric dogs, such as gastrointestinal problems

Chondroprotectants – These drugs help by inhibiting enzymes that contribute to cartilage breakdown

Recovery of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that requires continuous treatments. It is extremely important to keep dog’s weight under control and to stick with your vet’s advice. Routine blood work will be necessary to monitor and check for side effects of the medication being taken by your pet. If your pet undergoes surgery, your surgeon will give you specific post-surgical instructions. Most canines will make a full recovery within six months of the surgery.

Osteoarthritis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

Tia

Old English Sheepdog

11 Years

Moderate condition

0 found helpful

Moderate condition

I have an 11 year old old English sheepdog and about a year ago she was running and jumping around and within two days she started walking slower and not jumping as much, I took her for x-rays and according to the vet her joints were in good shape, back and spine also looked good in fact he said if he didn't know she was 11 he would think it was an x-ray of a younger dog so where else could she have arthritis at if not the joints or bones, I want so much to help her but don't know what else to do to confirm arthritis. When standing bends back legs.

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Tia's Owner

Dr. Callum Turner, DVM

3318Recommendations

There are a few different options which may be tried here which you may need to discuss with your Veterinarian; the easiest is to treat for arthritis and see if there is any improvement, this isn’t ideal as we don’t like to treat for something we are not sure is the cause but joint supplements and other over the counter products may show some improvement; another method is to have another set of x-rays done (possibly with myelography when looking at the spine to see more detail) to see if there are any changes. It is difficult to say what the specific cause is when a physical examination and x-rays were not initially productive. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

10 months, 2 weeks ago

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Rex

German Shepherd

6 Years

Moderate condition

1 found helpful

Moderate condition

Has Symptoms

my dog is limping

When is necessary the surgery regarding osteoarthritis in dogs?. My dog is limping a little bit (well, to be exact, his leg has a strange movement when he walks). He have little troubles to stand up when he is seatingI will like to show you the x-ray study

1 year, 7 months ago

Rex's Owner

Dr. Callum Turner, DVM

3318Recommendations

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is based more on physical examination with an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis as the x-ray itself is static and gives very little information; it is more important to see how the condition is affecting a dog’s motion. Initially the condition may be treated conservatively with a weight loss program (to bring a dog to the low end of it’s weight class), low impact exercise (like slow walks on a lead) and pain management to make them comfortable. Surgery is indicated in severe cases or in cases where surgery may stabilise a joint; this would be based on how Rex is managing his pain and his movements. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVMwww.acvs.org/small-animal/osteoarthritis-in-dogswww.zoetis.co.uk/conditions/dogs/canine-osteoarthritis.aspx

1 year, 7 months ago

Excellent your approach and thank you so much for your help! Such a quick and complete response :)